Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital is asking anyone with signs and symptoms of the flu or respiratory illness to not visit patients at the hospital right now.

Over the past week, the hospital system has seen 77 positive cases and over 243 cases this year.

The released the folowing statement:

A temporary, voluntary visitation restriction is currently in effect. All children younger than age 18 are encouraged to refrain from visiting hospitalized patients at Bon Secours St. Francis at this time in an effort to protect themselves from becoming ill as well as help contain the spread of illness within the community. Visitors who are experiencing symptoms of the flu are also urged to voluntarily refrain from visiting Bon Secours St. Francis until their symptoms resolve. Saria Saccocio, MD, Bon Secours St. Francis Chief Medical Officer says, “The health and wellness of our patients, visitors and our staff is of utmost priority. We are monitoring our levels of flu in order to be good help to those we serve.”